This week’s episodes had a lot of revelations. Zhaoul and I haven’t really talked about these episodes so this post will be sort of our first conversation 😊 We would love to hear from you in the comments section.

One of the best things about this drama so far, has been the performances. This week was no exception and I’d say that besides Jang Hyuk and Lee Mi Sook’s scenes who are simply exquisite all the time, I am beginning to appreciate Jang Seung-Jo, who plays Jang Bucheon as well.

But the first scene I want to comment is a KPJ and JML one. KPJ’s reaction to JML once again lying to his face about his mother. Feigning innocence JML claims that KPJ’s mother jumped into the river in desperation. True to classic melodrama style, the camera offers us close up of both Jang Hyuk and Lee Mi Sook constantly (thank you PD!) It is a delight to see the nuanced performances, the subtle changes in their pupils and facial muscles to convey the emotions. KPJ’s expression went again from a stoic poker face to absolute loath, and all he moved was…the pupils. Well, this guy, when he is good, he is GREAT!

He really has mastered the eye acting, hasn’t he? It seems like with this character, his eyes are his main emotional tell. He has to be so careful about showing emotion, especially around someone like Jung Mal Ran who is a master manipulator and also a pathological liar (if you ask me). He always needs to try and keep the upper hand with her and so far, he seems to be doing it well. I really don’t trust her though. I feel like she’s capable of anything… but she won’t do it herself. She’ll manipulate others to do her dirty work.

On ep 7 we confirmed some suspicions. Secretary Oh (formerly known to us as “the butler”) was the man on the boat. And he was indeed hired by JML to kill her husband’s mistress and her children. Now KPJ is aware of Secretary Oh’s involvement and the apparent “friendship” they had, has been officially destroyed. I wasn’t sure what KPJ actually thought of Secretary Oh before but he seemed surprised by this revelation. Secretary Oh, on the other hand, seems to be having regrets? But, he was still willing to dispose of Jang Euncheon, due to his loyalty (or love?) for JML. JML has apparently used her “seduction tactics” on him in the past, which is leading some members of the audience to suspect, he might’ve been her lover too.

Jang Malan is definitely something…

I couldn’t help but wonder if perhaps Jang Boo Cheon is in fact his child. Secretary Oh is super two faced (must applaud the actor for being able to switch personas on a dime like that). I was a little wary from the beginning of his over exaggerated charm. I wonder if we’ll get more backstory on him. He does seem 100% loyal to Mal Ran.

Let’s talk about YSW and NMH. I’m not sure what YSW was trying to accomplish by visiting NMH but, I think she was sincere when she said: “You are the only one, to be on my side”. It’s sad that she decided to stab the one person who has tried to help her, in the back, by continuing her affair with JBC. Na Mo Hyun is a truly generous person, and does not deserve any of these betrayals. But, her extreme naivete is making me feel slightly bored with her character. I’m hoping the next episodes make her a little more “interesting”. She feels a bit predictable at this point, which is not necessarily a terrible thing (she could be the one reliable, constant, selfless character that is much needed in a story like this, where everyone is more on the “gray zone”) but I would like for her to start becoming more aware of things.

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I think Na Mo Hyun’s character will develop. It is true she has been rather complacent. She’s a good-natured girl who wants to live a happy life with the man she loves. I think as secrets are further revealed we may see her disposition change (at least, I hope so too). I was very disappointed to see that Jang Boo Cheon is continuing to pursue Yoon Seo Won, but selfishly I am glad because it opens the door for Kan Pil Joo to come in and be the support that Mo Hyun needs.

I really don’t know what to think of Yoon Seo Won. Sometimes I get her. I understand her curiosity. The man she loves is marrying someone else, so she wants to get to know the woman’s character. She misses her love. She wants a normal life. But another part of me is very unsure of her. I feel like she’s capable of doing something really conniving and evil.

The scene where KPJ remembers his little brother, again, made me choke my tears a little. KPJ’s reaction to anything related to his brother reveals that wound is still very much open and hurts deeply. I can feel his pain vividly.

It’s really sad. KPJ is being tortured by this constant pain and also unquenchable guilt because of the death of his brother. It wasn’t his fault though. He didn’t kill his brother. He tried to save him but he couldn’t. I was really upset when Secretary Oh tore up the pictures.

Despite KPJ’s claim to hate JBC, I think he is very fond of him. They have been through a lot together. It’s a tormented bromance, but still, there is a bond between them. KPJ seemed sad, disappointed and angry at finding out JBC is not really his brother. I think he wasn’t only thinking of how this could affect his plans but he was feeling sorry for JBC. This will actually play in KPJ’s favor at some point, but he did not seem pleased about it. I loved their “date”, KPJ feeding JBC a candy, the memory of when they were young and JBC was more concerned about showing KPJ his good grades, than he was about showing them to his mother (Btw, while doing the captures I realized that the actor who plays young JBC looked very familiar to me. I looked him up and of course! He is the kid who played the child version of Ddolbock/Kang Chaeyoon in TWDR ha!)

When KPJ told JBC “I’m never going to let you die”, it could be interpreted as “because I still need you for my revenge” but I honestly felt he meant it. Just like he meant it when he hoped and expected JBC to be happy in his marriage with NMH .

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I think he meant it too. Speaking about young JBC, did you notice as well (maybe you already know) that the young KPJ played a guest role in Beautiful Mind?

I think KPJ cares about JBC a lot. I think it might actually bite him in the end, but hopefully not. He really could have used this information and ended this whole revenge thing here. Although he claims he must wait so that he can be the one to kick Mal Ran out. I think part of him really wants to protect Boo Cheon. I also wonder if perhaps one reason he was okay with Mo Hyun marrying Boo Cheon is because (although he was a player) he thinks he is a good guy, and will take care of her and make her happy. Those sentiments might change.

Something I noticed on second watch (while doing captures) was that JML actually observed KPJ bowing to NMH at the pre-wedding meeting between the families. And she obviously noticed his loving gaze. I really loved that bowing scene and the one where JML asks him to forget about NMH. His expression is so sad. This is also where he begins with “his” seduction tactics, but to what end exactly? Do we think something happened when they closed the door by the end of the episode or are we going to go on denial mode and pretend they were playing, I dunno, Go Stop all night? :p

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It certainly looked to me by the editing that something happened. I think he’s capable of sleeping with his enemy and still stabbing her in the back. The seduction may have been what she needed to calm her suspicions. It looks like they left it up to our own personal interpretation. I’ll say, I think they did sleep together. Whether they did or didn’t, it doesn’t really change the plot, so decide for yourself 🙂 If they did though, I think the attraction is one-sided on her part and for him, he wanted to distract her.

The wedding was as beautiful as it was sad :(

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It was sad!!! I can’t see the beauty in it. I mean, Mo Hyun is beautiful, but it was so tragic. Sure on the surface everything seems peachy, but she only knows Boo Cheon on a surface level. Girl run…! You don’t know the mess you are getting pulled into. {il Joo looks really sad but all he can do is watch until the door closes. I wish she didn’t have to be a part of all this (but then I guess we wouldn’t have much of a story, would we?)

And then we got the time jump! Where we, and apparently also KPJ, find out JBC has been cheating on NM for apparently 5 years? Did JBC and NMH not have a kid of their own in all these years? If so, how did the family take it? And how has JML and KPJ relationship evolve (or devolve) in these five years? I can’t wait to find out next Saturday! I want to shake KPJ.

Who I want to shake is JBC. I think Boo Cheon getting married to Mo Hyun while still seeing YSW shows his greed. He could have left the family when he found out he was not the rightful heir and started a life with the woman he actually loves. Instead he chose to stay and lead a double life, clutching on to wealth and power. It makes me doubt how strong his feelings for Mo Hyun were to begin with. I know it wasn’t his choice to leave YSW, but I thought he had strong respect for NMH. NMH looks so unhappy. I thought their life together was supposed to be a good one. She wants children by the look of it and they look very disconnected. I’m assuming she can’t have children.

Conspiracy theory: What if maybe JBC is not the father of YSW’s child? I believe this theory was floated before. Maybe he’s the one that can’t have kids. I’m sure the family is less than thrilled that aren’t pregnant. I guess it’s also possible that she miscarried or something bad happened.

Guess we will have to wait and find out.

I want to see some KPJ and NMH story advancement. NMH’s husband isn’t loyal; I want her to have some happiness. KPJ is perfect for her (if only he wasn’t seeking revenge).

Closing Thoughts

As DramaFan mentioned, please let us know your thoughts on these past two episodes, and on the show in general. We are both enjoying it and hope you are as well.

The story keeps moving along so quickly! I didn’t expect a five year time jump. Lots more to find out.

Well, well, well… Another week of Money Flower has come and gone. As usually I’m terribly behind but we have a special treat for you today. DramaFan from StuckOnHyuk is here to discuss episodes 5-6 with me.

The first scene that had an impact on me from these eps was when Kang Pilju threatened Seo Yeowon (the receptionist) At first, I screamed! My mom who was watching with me, was sooo disappointed thinking KPJ was so evil! I believe this was most people’s reaction lol! KPJ looked truly scary.

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But his subsequent actions actually convinced me that KPJ is not as sinister as I originally thought. In fact, this episode showed many cracks in his cold facade. On the surface, he was being excessively cruel to a pregnant woman, but in reality, he was warning her against taking any actions that would put her and her baby in more danger. He knows better than anyone, what the Cheong- A family is capable of. I loved the many faces Jang Hyuk was able to show here, from a cold impenetrable expression, to anger, to melancholy. I believe YSW situation reminded him of his mother’s and that’s why he left her so much of his own money.

The one thing I won’t be able to forgive though, is how he flipped a table full of food 😐 Bad bad Pilju!

Ahhhhh! The food!!! I know! I was so mad when he flipped the table. I was like really dude…? She’s pregnant.. she needs to eat well. My reaction was the same as your mothers. Just as I was softening up to him and empathising more and more, I thought “Whoa… hold on now. This is so unnecessary”. I somewhat agree that he was trying to protect her, but at the time I didn’t fully realize and most of it went over my head. Maybe he was trying to scare her, but when he grabbed her by the neck and threatened to basically to end her pregancy it did make me wonder what he is capable of for revenge. I really need to pay more attention to the little nuances in this drama. You blink your eyes and you miss a whole explanation in the blink of an eye… POOF!

She didn’t listen to him though, did she? His warning (whether a decoy or partially true) didn’t hinder her at all.

Jang Malan and Kang Pilju sexy vibes going on. What are your thoughts Z? I’ve read people that are convinced these two have done it already lol! Well, there’s definitely a lot of sexual tension between them. But in these two episodes, he delicately rejected her, twice. First he rejected the watch she gave him (she didn’t look happy about that) and then she, with her hair lose and nightgown, caressed his cheek softly. I mean, come on! She is trying to seduce him right? I’m not seeing things! Then there’s that scene of her fondling his sheets! That didn’t look like maternal love to me.

Jang Malan got rejected. Hmmm.

Honestly, if they kissed I wouldn’t be mad at all. There relationship is very complex. I do think she’s in love with him… or at least very, very lonely and he’s been a sense of confort to her all these years. When I used to act, the director would sometimes give characters “secrets” to help them with their acting. Like, the secret wouldn’t be in the script, but it would help you build your character beyond the script. I could see them having a little secret such as a secret affairs haha. However, you are right; I noticed too that he “gently” rejected her a few times.

Is this motherly love?

I’m not sure how she’s going to react as the truth comes out about his identity as it seems to be. I wonder how it will affect their sexual tension (which is mostly on her side).

I’m not totally feeling NMH and JBC as a couple but I get it if some people find them cute. They have “reasons” to like each other, in her case, many are lies, but still. She thinks he is a nice guy, with a heroic streak (saving a bird, coming to the rescue of a random pregnant lady) and she also pities him. It kinda hurts though to see KPJ crave for that affection and compassion she feels for JBC. She also feels sorry for JBC’s loneliness and wants to protect him. She has that tendency apparently. If she only knew about Pilju’s devastating loneliness ☹

I’m not feeling the NMH and JBC relationship either. Sure, they are fine.. but they are getting married way too fast. It’s not even like they have this mad chemistry or anything. It just seems odd to me. I’m not complaining though because if her feelings for JBC are based on misinformation, than perhaps there is hope for her and Pilju.

But JBC is pitiful on his own, isn’t he? He is now in such a mess with his pregnant ex-girlfriend and his own inadequacy to deal with anything. I can’t help but sympathize and hope he matures someday. He is also kind of funny so I can’t help but like him.

I like him too… but I can kind of see his character going in two different paths. I wonder how he’ll feel when he inevitably finds out about Pilju’s revenge.. and his true feeling for NMH. I like to think brotherly love will prevail but it’s hard to say how he’ll react when a lot of the secrets eventually reveal themselves. I hope he stays good.

JBC and YSW – I think JBC loves her, and in a way he is sadly repeating the story of his father and KPJs mother. He should find the courage to break away from the toxic Cheong A empire! Kang Pilju is right about that. I was moved by the scene of YSW trying to commit suicide.

She is pretty.

I think he loves her too. It really wasn’t his choice to break with her, even though I think his feelings for NMH are also sincere. That was a good scene.. but I equally was moved by the scene where he made her food and he said he couldn’t see her anymore. She really looked heartbroken and helpless. I knew she liked him, but I wondered if maybe she was playing games as well. In that scene I really felt like she just wants to be with him and have a family with him. I believed her when she said she would keep it quiet, but if he could still come see her sometimes. I think this was very difficult for him as well.

JBC and KPJ – Gosh! I love their conflicted bromance! JBC really needs KPJ and I wonder if behind KPJ’s manipulation of JBC there isn’t also affection? I have the feeling that at the end of the day KPJ won’t be able to hurt JBC too much. I really loved the scene they had at their father’s death anniversary. I laughed at Jang Hyuk’s cheek filled with the huge candy too! Cute!

I think this was one of my favourite scenes of the past two episodes (other than him visiting his brother and getting caught in the rain). Yea… I’ve been really trying to figure out how KPJ feels about JBC. I mean, he knows it’s his brother. I kind of think he won’t be able to hurt him too much either. He doesn’t really seem to have any animosity towards him. His angst rather seems to be directed to the mother… and gramps (who is super horrible by the way).

Speaking of the death anniversary. It was heartbreaking when the uncle kicked KPJ out. KPJ’s hurt expression got me. I can only imagine what it feels like, not being able to mourn his father openly.

Jang Hyuk was magnificent in that scene. He politely bowed and excused himself, but we know and could tell he was completely heartbroken in that moment. I was so glad he was able to sneak back afterwards. This scene also perfectly illustrates how he is mistreated by the family. It’s that constant reminder he will never be truly accepted.

He breaks our hearts 🙁

KPJ and NMH – They had lovely scenes in these episodes. One of my favorites was their encounter while he was bird watching. She is coming off as a little too naïve though but still likable. I love the way he looks at her.

How do you not notice when a man like KPJ is gazing at you longingly for several minutes!!! I was like “Girl, look up!!!! Look up!!!!”. She’s clueless, but the scene was beautiful. They have so much in common. I loved how they said the same thing at the same time. I just hope they are not star-crossed lovers. Being connected by the past but having a present that separates them reminds me a bit too much of Chuno.

Noooooo! You had to mention Chuno!!! Nooo please 🙁 I really need KPJ to be happy at least once. Even our tragic Daegil had his moments of happiness in the past. KPJ has only endured hardships since he was so young. I really need them to kiss! In fact, I’m ok with KPJ kissing anyone in this drama. He is so hot with everyone teehee!

But anyway, changing the subject, how did you feel about KPJ as the ultimate puppet master? He fooled me with his tears but I felt something was off when JML slapped him. I thought it was too light lol!

He keeps fooling me. I should have learned by now that he’s pretty much always in control and manipulating everything. I thought JML was pretty convincing too. The two of them are really good at getting their way.

He fooled us with his pretty tears!

JMLs visit to the temple her husband loved set in motion a series of events that have led her to suspect KPJ might be Jang Eun Cheon. What next? This drama is actually really good at surprising me. I didn’t know this was going to happen so fast! Do you think this whole thing was also calculated by KPJ? He should’ve known she was going to visit that temple one day, so do you think he put his little brother’s plaque there on purpose?

I didn’t think of that UNTIL NOW. Oh my Gosh… that is possible. See!! He’s sneaky. Well, we don’t know for sure. I don’t really see the purpose in him doing that, but that is something that he would do.

One of my favorite scenes on Ep 6 was when JML asked KPJ about his mother (right after trying to seduce him) The way he controlled himself, but you could see the pain and hate in his eyes, when he heard his mother’s name. And then he spoke about her final days. Jang Hyuk is doing some amazing eye acting in this drama. Lee Mi Sook is giving him great feedback too. Their scenes together shine.

Jang Hyuk has all the subtleties on point. His character is constantly restraining himself, but we can still see the emotions through his eyes.. subtle exhales, twitches in his skin. It’s really remarkable how he’s nailing all the subtle verbal cues. It’s like we can hear his inner thoughts when he’s holding back and acting all calm on the outside.

Cursing with them eyes

More random thoughts:

I’m loving the OST, some of it sounds very ominous so it gives me heavy melodrama vibes, kind of “old school” too but I think it fits the drama so well.

There are too many ahjussis with glasses so I’m getting them confused!

Speaking of ahjussis with glasses, apparently the butler, becomes a thug without his glasses on. His character surprised me. He’s always smiling and being nice to KPJ, but it seems his main focus is keeping the family “happy”.

I agree the OST is lovely. Did I hear organs playing at one point?

I get Mr Woo (Uncle Sungman’s guy) and the butler (Jang Malan’s guy) confused at times. It’s true, the butler acts nice to KPJ but he is the one about to uncover his secret, or is he secretly on his side? The butler reminded KPJ of the time he got drunk and confessed he trusts him. But who is playing who here? Does KPJ really trust him? I have the feeling the butler was the person on the boat when KPJ’s little brother died, but I could be totally wrong lol! You never know with this drama 🙂

I decided to watch a really old jdorama back in August of 2016… yes, that means this post has been sitting in limbo that long (YIKES!). I don’t even remember why I decided the watch it. I think I was browsing through MDL and stumbled upon it. It sat in my “plan to watch” list for the longest time.. then sat as a half written post for perhaps longer than that.

Quick Synopsis: Sakurai Kazumi (played by Wakui Emi) leaves for New York to go find herself. While in New York, she falls in love but things do not work out as intended. Suddenly, she needs to return to Japan, but hires a man to pose as her fiancee. It gets even more complicated since she happens to be pregnant with the man from New York’s baby.

First of all, apologies for falling behind on my reviews so early in the series and being sloppy with them.

I enjoyed Episode 3-4. I wrote some thoughts down right away, but wasn’t satisfied with my recap/review at all. It’s very choppy, confusing and jumbled.

I went pretty much straight from Episode 3 into Episode 4, but I did write down a few brief thoughts on Episode 3 before starting 4. Since I wrote a few things, I will share them. Let’s start with my reaction right after watching Episode 3.

Ok. BL (Boy’s Love) time, so if you are not into it, avert your eyes and skip this one!

I think we all need a little bit more Thai dramas in our lives. This has got to be one of the better BL dramas I’ve seen, if I’m being perfectly honest. Sure.. it drags a bit here and there and gets a bit frustrating as we wait for the leads to sort things, but it’s worth it. When I say drag.. it’s really only like 1 minute of boredom lading into a really good scene.

I did it. I’m slowly coming back into the world of kdramas. What better way to do so then to watch a Jang Hyuk drama?

Money Flower has some definite potential. Despite feeling slightly lost, especially in the first episode, what really struck me was the characters. We have yet to learn a lot about everyone, but I think they did a really good job at making us want understand the narrative of the main leads and supporting roles.

Quick Synopsis: They dated back in university. She left all of the sudden for the USA. Years later she comes back and runs into a very bitter ex-boyfriend.

A couple days ago I decided to gently ease back into some drama watching. I watched My Sunshine on Netflix since 4 episodes seemed very unintimidating. What I didn’t realise at the time was that this was a condensed version of a 32 episode Chinese drama (oops). At first I was a little disappointed I didn’t opt for the longer version, but I feel like the main essence of the story was well portrayed in this shorter version. I went back after completing the mini series version and read a bunch of chapters from the novel.

It’s been forever as I drift further and further away from this drama world.

Rather than trying to get back into dramas by starting a new one, I thought it might be a good idea to actually knock a drama off my list which has been lingering there. So, I’m going to list a bunch of dramas that I had enjoyed but stopped watching for little rime nor reason. Well some of them dragged a bit; but should I give them another try? Tell me please what you think I should finish and I’ll finish it this weekend (and write a mini review about it).

I’m alive, I’m alive!!! I know I’ve been MIA for so long, but life continues.

I honestly haven’t been watching much of anything. I made it till about episode 11 of Goblin, but haven’t watched anything since. One of these days I would like to finish it.

A real life friend of mine and I sometimes get together and watch Japanese movies. I really enjoyed Oto-na-ri even though it’s a slow movie. I thought it was beautiful with subtle romance that allowed my mind to fill in the blanks and carry on the story. My friend has gotten me into Okada Junichi.

I’m pleasantly surprised; Episode 1 and 2 of Goblin were really enjoyable for me. I have to admit, it took me a couple of days to choke down Episode 1. Although I found the backstory interesting and appreciated that this drama is not afraid to be whimsical, some of the cinematic scenes paired with elaborate plot felt a bit pretentious. However, my sentiments did shift as the first episode evened out somewhere around the middle. The second half of the episode brought on my profound curiosity for the future story and character development.

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This week’s episodes had a lot of revelations. Zhaoul and I haven’t really talked about these episodes so this post will be sort of our first conversation 😊 We would love to hear from you in the comments section. One...